The staggering arrogance of that statement leaves me (nearly) speechless and I assure you, I am rarely at a loss for words. I am wondering why Gregoire feels that the job of the Attorney General is specifically to represent her personal interests?

Gregoire supports the federal health care legislation. Well of course she does. She’s never met a piece of budget-busting legislation she didn’t like, which is why Washington is in a budget crisis and the State Treasurer tells us we’ll run out of cash in mere months.

For his part, McKenna says:

“…He does not need Gregoire’s ‘blessing’ to file a lawsuit on behalf of the state.

‘My role is to defend the State Constitution and the people of the state,’ said McKenna, ‘That includes defending the state from inappropriate actions by the federal government.’

McKenna says the 10th Amendment protects states from being forced to follow federal laws that are not covered by the U.S. Constitution.

‘That’s why the federal government has never imposed an auto insurance mandate, has never imposed a drinking age minimum, has never imposed a motorcycle helmet law…'”

So listen up, Christine, the Office of the Attorney General operates independently of the Governor’s office and McKenna really doesn’t need your permission to act, or even to consult with you before he acts. Get over it. And while you’re at it, get over yourself, too. It appears that you may have mistaken the meaning behind the words when people call you Queen Christine.

Update 2:The gloves are indeed off, as the Democrat controlled legislature considers adding language to the budget to prevent McKenna from using State funds to pursue the health care challenge. Gregoire says she would sign such a measure into law. God forbid McKenna take steps to protect Washington citizens from this unconstitutional over-reach by the federal government.

Update 4: Attorney General McKenna and Her Royal Highness appeared (separately) on King 5 News this evening. After lying through her teeth about the amazing wonderfulness of the health care legislation, Her Royal Highness admitted that there’s nothing she can do to stop AG McKenna from participating in the suit. I guess that would be other than sign into law that measure they’re kicking around in the legislature.

Update 5: This poll commissioned by King 5 news might give Her Royal Highness an inkling of who AG McKenna is representing…the people, baby!

The state could – but won’t – opt out as long as the Democrats are in control in Olympia. But the real point is the AG swears to uphold the Constitution of the United States and would be remiss in his obligations if he were to ignore actions he deemed to be a threat to the Constitution.

I’m waiting to see if Her Royal Highness runs again or – even better – if she runs, if she faces a primary challenge. It’s no secret that Jay Inslee has his eye on the governor’s mansion. Although if he’s defeated this year, his prospects in that arena may be dimmed.